India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
